Ludo King and Subway Surfers among global list of most data-hungry mobile gaming apps

According to a study by VPN service provider SurfShark, Call of Duty Mobile, Candy Crush Saga, and Carrom Pool Disc Game are among the worst gaming apps for privacy. As per the report, these apps collect up to 17 out of 32 different data points, including photos and videos, contact information, location data, and contacts of the user. 

SurfShark examined 50 of the most popular gaming apps across 60 countries to find out which ones are the most data-hungry. It created a unique measurement system to evaluate each game’s data collection habits, assigning a score based on the quantity and hunger of the data collected. 

1 point for data not linked to a user’s identity (like app crash data);

2 points for data linked to a user’s identity (like your name);

3 points for data that could potentially track you on apps and websites (like your user ID).

As per the study, Subway Surfers – one of the popular mobile games in India is the 6th most popular game globally. The game has a data hunger index of 57.6. “It collects a total of 12 unique data points, including coarse location,” the report says.

Ludo King, another popular game in India stood at 38th position in terms of most-unsafe gaming app for privacy. While it’s important to note that some data collection is necessary for certain game features and functionality, it’s also crucial for mobile gamers to be aware of what information is being collected and how it’s being used.

According to SurfShark study, France produces the most data hungry apps with an average index of 42.&%. Number of apps stood at 10. Similarly, the US has an index of 35% with 48 data hungry apps produced. India, on other hand, produces 13 apps and has an average index of 27.1 per cent.

Updated: 30 May 2023, 12:50 PM IST